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Two-match ban for Sinfield

Last Updated: July 21 2014, 18:46 BST

Kevin Sinfield will be available for Leeds' Challenge Cup semi-final clash with Warrington but will miss their next two matches after accepting an early guilty plea for his head-butt on Castleford full-back Luke Dorn.

Sinfield was earlier on Monday charged by the Rugby Football League with a grade C offence following the first dismissal of his illustrious career last week.

The Leeds and England captain head-butted Dorn towards the end of a gripping 24-24 draw between the Rhinos and Castleford at Headingley on Thursday evening, an incident coach Brian McDermott had called a "momentary" lapse in discipline.

But the 33-year-old accepted his guilt following the RFL's announcement and due to a near exemplary previous record, he has only been banned for two matches.

That means he will miss the trip to Salford on Friday as well as the home clash with local rivals Bradford next week, but will return for the pivotal Challenge Cup clash with Warrington on August 9 at Langtree Park.

It is of little consolation to Leeds chief executive Gary Hetherington, who has criticised the RFL's review panel for its inconsistencies in punishing players.

He said: "Unfortunately this is another example of the pattern of inconsistency displayed by the Review Panel of the RFL.

"Earlier this season, Kris Welham of Hull KR was charged with an unprovoked head butt and received a Grade A charge and no suspension.

"I can fully appreciate the growing chorus of discontent throughout the game with the performance of the RFL in these matters."

Elsewhere, Travis Burns and Adam Walker of Hull KR and Salford duo Josh Griffin and Tommy Lee have been charged with grade A offences for punching during the Red Devils' 38-18 victory.

Lee has also been charged with making a grade B shoulder charge on Burns in the same fixture, while team-mate Matty Ashurst faces the same grade for making dangerous contact with Jason Netherton.

All six players have until 11am on Tuesday to submit an early guilty plea, but Lee may only do so for one of his offences.